September 20, 2005 at 10:57:28 p.m.

Conditions are chaotic out there. So let’s take a lesson from our forefathers when they crossed the plains a couple of hundred years ago.

When you’re under attack circle the wagons!

Good advice. In our case we probably don’t know where the attack is coming from and it doesn’t matter. The advice is still valid. Circle the wagons!

Bring your family closer together. Your home is your wagon so tighten up; get rid of junk, make sure you have the essentials and keep your eye on the neighborhood. If something you see appears to be clearly out of place from the normal, report it. Many people are frightened right now, especially the elderly. Be kind and helpful. Stress bounds, so don’t add to it. Take the TV news with a grain of salt and don’t believe everything the media is telling you.

Be wise enough to know that attacks can be psychological and spiritual as well as physical. Reinforce your own sense of self. Don’t spread rumors. Don’t embellish information to make it sound more interesting. Listen more closely to what your children are saying because they are at the center of the propaganda and they haven’t had the experience to know how to separate fact from fiction. If you have family living outside your area make a phone call and just have a chat with them. It will make them feel wanted and provide comfort. Keep to your normal schedule. Changes now are difficult to deal with and only add to a sense of disruption. Disagree if you must with our leadership but don’t be insulting or discouraging with your remarks. In short, be a good citizen. If we have to have a fight, so be it. Circle the wagons and stick together. – GT